THURSDAY CHUCKLE

IT WAS ALREADY LATE FALL AND THE INDIANS ON A REMOTE RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA ASKED THEIR NEW CHIEF IF THE COMING WINTER WAS GOING TO BE COLD OR MILD.

SINCE HE WAS A CHIEF IN A MODERN SOCIETY HE HAD NEVER BEEN TAUGHT THE OLD SECRETS. WHEN HE LOOKED AT THE SKY HE COULD NOT TELL WHAT THE WINTER WAS GOING TO BE LIKE.

NEVERTHELESS, TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE, HE TOLD HIS TRIBE THAT THE WINTER WAS INDEED GOING TO BE COLD AND THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE VILLAGE SHOULD COLLECT FIREWOOD TO BE PREPARED.

BUT BEING A PRACTICAL LEADER, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS HE GOT AN IDEA. He, using his cell phone, CALLED THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND ASKED, "IS THE COMING WINTER GOING TO BE COLD?"

"IT LOOKS LIKE THIS WINTER IS GOING TO BE QUITE COLD," THE METEOROLOGIST AT THE WEATHER SERVICE RESPONDED.

SO THE CHIEF WENT BACK TO HIS PEOPLE AND TOLD THEM TO COLLECT EVEN MORE FIREWOOD IN ORDER TO BE PREPARED.

A WEEK LATER HE CALLED THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AGAIN. "DOES IT STILL LOOK LIKE IT IS GOING TO BE A VERY COLD WINTER?"

"YES," THE MAN AT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AGAIN REPLIED, "IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY COLD WINTER."

THE CHIEF AGAIN WENT BACK TO HIS PEOPLE AND ORDERED THEM TO COLLECT EVERY SCRAP OF FIREWOOD THEY COULD FIND.

TWO WEEKS LATER THE CHIEF CALLED THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AGAIN. "ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THE WINTER IS GOING TO BE VERY COLD?"

"ABSOLUTELY," THE MAN REPLIED. "IT'S LOOKING MORE AND MORE LIKE IT IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE COLDEST WINTERS WE'VE EVER SEEN."

"HOW CAN YOU BE SO SURE?" THE CHIEF ASKED.

THE WEATHERMAN REPLIED, "THE INDIANS ARE COLLECTING FIREWOOD LIKE CRAZY."

Thanks Joyce for the chuckle

Wet Blanket

This morning the day dawned, shrouded in a wet clammy fog. The round bales of hay in the neighbor's pasture, are just visible through the fog.

An industrious little spider, has tented my Hen & chicken in a finely spun web, which has caught the mist and a couple of fallen leaves in it's strands.

I am praying the weather forecast, predicting a sunny afternoon, is right on, as I have plans to get out in the garden and do a little clean up work.

UPDATE: 11:46 am
UPS just delivered my box of Tulip and Daffodil bulbs which were ordered earlier this year. I am now, really praying for the sun to break through the fog, so I can get them planted.

BASEBALL FOREVER

Two 90-year-old men, Moe and Joe, have been friends all of their lives. When it's clear that Joe is dying, Moe visits him every day.

One day Moe says, "Joe, we both loved baseball all our lives, and we played minor league ball together for so many years. Please do me one favor, when you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's baseball there."

Joe looks up at Moe from his death bed, "Moe, you've been my best friend for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for you."

Shortly after that, Joe passes on.

At midnight a couple of nights later, Moe is awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to him, "Moe--Moe."

"Who is it?" asks Moe sitting up suddenly. "Who is it?"

"Moe--it's me, Joe."

"You're not Joe. Joe just died."

"I'm telling you, it's me, Joe," insists the voice.

"Joe! Where are you?"

"In heaven", replies Joe. "I have some really good news and a little bad news."

"Tell me the good news first," says Moe.

"The good news," Joe says, "is that there's baseball in heaven. Better yet, all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better than that, we're all young again. Better still, it's always spring time and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play baseball all we want, and we never get tired."

"That's fantastic," says Moe. "It's beyond my wildest dreams! So what's the bad news?"

"You're pitching Tuesday."

FEELING GLOOMY? NOPE, NOT ANY MORE!

I have come to the realization, my moods certainly follow the seasons and weather. The last couple of days have been rather gloomy and I have kinda felt glum too.
My "get up and go" got up and went somewhere without me, and I seem to have lost my creativity, so blogging has become a chore.
Whine, Whine, Whine, snivel, snivel, OK I am over it, now to be more productive.
Good news from the weather forecasters, the sun is supposed to shine this afternoon, *smile* so that means I will probably get outside, and shovel the mound of compost, delivered by our landscape friend, into a wheelbarrow, and start on distributing it around the garden. Nothing like a little hard work to get you out of your funk EH?

My holiday to New Zealand is coming up in about six weeks, so I have started to get things ready to put in my suitcase. From experience, I have found it is a very good idea to make a list, and as soon as you think of something you want to take with you, write it on the list right then, or it will be forgotten.
All my skin care products have been put into smaller containers, and clearly labeled using one of those little plastic label making gizmos. I used to write on sticky paper labels with a marker, but soon discovered the writing would wear off and I wouldn't have a clue what was in the bottles and jars. I think this is something to do with getting older and not being able to remember things like I used to. *chuckle*

This is the first time I have visited home, where I will not be staying with family. My Mother passed away last year and my two brother are not in a situation where they have accommodations for their Sis, so I have rented a cabin at the local Holiday Park. The cabin, according to my brother, who checked it out for me, is basic, clean and cozy, with everything I will need to take care of myself. The good news is, the owners of the Park are friends of my eldest brother, so I have been given an extremely good rate for my 15 days stay.

I wonder what security is going to think when they see all the other goodies in my suitcase. Food is quite expensive in New Zealand and being a thrifty keewee with some Scottish blood in my veins, (OK so I am kinda cheap) I have no intention on buying more groceries than I will use, so I have packets of instant oatmeal for my breakfasts, my favorite Chai tea, Splenda, and I will probably take some of my own home ground coffee and some filters. You will also find some of my Weight Watchers snacks, to take care of my sweet tooth cravings, and goodness knows what else I will throw in at the last moment.

I must confess, my sense of adventure is surfacing and the urge to create my own little nest of, home away from home, for 15 days is appealing. The difficult part is going to be, being away from my honey, MrC for all this time, especially during the evening hours when I return to my nest after my days outings.

Well now, that was good therapy. All the brain work and typing it took to put this little post together, has left me feeling so much better. It is time for breakfast and to get my day underway.
You all have a wonderful day too.

Silly, but part of my childhood

It is a dreary wet day here on Whidbey island and thoughts of my visit to New Zealand in November are running through my head. Memories of my childhood in New Zealand, came flooding back, memories of splashing through rain puddles wearing my gumboots and along with these memories came the melody of The Gumboot Song

It is a silly little song which put a smile on my face on this dreary day. BTW gumboots are kiwi for rubber boots or wellingtons.

You can read the history of the song and listen to it HERE don't forget to turn your speakers on

THE GUMBOOT SONG

by Fred Dagg


Righto, kick it in the guts, Trev...

Gumboots, they are wonderful, gumboots, they are swell
'coz they keep out the water and they keep in the smell.
And when you're sittin' round at home, you can always tell
When one of the Trevs has taken off his gumboots.

Chorus:
If it weren't for your gumboots, where would ya be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary
'coz you would have a dose of the 'flu, or even pleurisy
If ya didn't have yer feet in yer gumboots.

Now there's rugby boots and racing boots and boots for drinkin' rum.
But the only boots I'm never without are the ones that start with "gum".
I've got short ones and long ones and some up to me belt.
I'm never dressed 'till I've got on me gumboots.

Chorus:
If it weren't for your gumboots, where would ya be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary
'coz you would have a dose of the 'flu, or even pleurisy
If ya didn't have yer feet in yer gumboots.

Whenever I sing at the opera, my gumboots are a must.
They help me hit the high notes, and protect me feet from dust.
They keep the water well away, so me voice won't get no rust.
You will not never see me without me gumboots.

Chorus:
If it weren't for your gumboots, where would ya be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary
'coz you would have a dose of the 'flu, or even pleurisy
If ya didn't have yer feet in yer gumboots.

Now Rob Muldoon and Rowling, they haven't made a hit.
They're ruining the country more than just a bit.
If they keep on the way they're going, we'll all be in turd.
So you'd better get yer feet up yer gumboots.

Comfort food is all in the eye of the beholder

Or is that in the taste buds of the ..............
The cold season is here. Just a couple of weeks ago I was telling a friend that "I have not had a cold in about two years" Should never have uttered those words, I now have a dooozy of a cold and no energy to boot.

MrC went off to the range this morning, and I decided to pick the few apples on our small tree and whip up an apple crisp, so I could have some ice cream.
Yes I know, I can have ice cream without apple crisp, but I want nice warm crisp with melting ice cream on the top. Call it comfort/ get well food. I can hear you telling me chicken soup is good when you have a cold, trouble is I do not like chicken soup, so you have the soup I am going to enjoy my dessert.

I did feel somewhat better after my bowl of apple crisp and vanilla ice cream, well that is my story and I am sticking to it. Now I think a nap is in order.

I am trying to be invisible

I can safely say I am getting the hang of my new camera. Every day presents a photo opportunity, and most times my camera is nearby to take advantage of these times.
There is still much to learn about all the features available on my Kodak Z650 and I am am having a lot of fun exploring them.
What do you think of this photo, not bad Eh?

Does anyone know what kind of spider this is?

I did my homework and have the answer.

Crab Spiders (Family Thomisidae).
There colorful spiders, have a crablike appearance. They generally appear on blossoms, where they blend with their background and pounce on prey that visits flowers.

Where were we?

Just in case you were wondering why I have not been posting new entries the last few days, here is the scoop.
On Saturday MrC and I attended a wedding in Renton, and reception in South Seattle. After the reception we drove about an hour and 15 minutes to Silverdale, where we spent the night in a motel. Next morning we drove to the Kitsap rifle and Revolver Club where MrC shot in his first ever Glock match.
( for those of you who do not know what a Glock is. It is a type of pistol, made in Austria)

MrC makes noise and plenty of smoke.

After MrC had done all the shooting he signed up for, we hit the road to catch the ferry from Port Townsend back to Whidbey Island.
As we approached the ferry dock I could see sails of various sizes and shapes of sailboats, then I saw a sign advertising a festival in Port Townsend, that is why there was so much activity in and around the town.
After we had boarded the ferry and started to move away from the dock, I grabbed my camera and hurried up the stairs to the upper deck hoping to get pictures of some of the sailboats. I was not disappointed.

I was relieved that I had put the camera strap around my neck, as when the cannon on this fabulous sailboat boooomed out, I was so startled I almost dropped the camera over the rail. There would have been a few swear words uttered, quietly of course, if I had lost my camera over the side.

Large sailboats, small sailboats and some in between.

A beautiful backdrop indeed.

MrC has a more in depth account HERE

Another glorious day

The weather yesterday, was sunny but with a little nip in the air heralding fall. I took the time during my break, to sit outside and soak up some of the warmth.

This new building is adjacent to the Inn, where the spa I work at is located.

One of the Inn's employees came and sat with me, so I took the opportunity to ask her about the new construction. The building will house a very nice penthouse for rent, along with a couple of town houses, one of which has been sold already, and some retail space. The story is, the penthouse will rent for around $700 per night. I will endeavor to get some pictures of the completed penthouse in the near future.

The butterfly was flitting from flower to flower sucking up the nectar.

What a lovely break I enjoyed in the sun, listening to the water lapping the shore and watching sailboats drifting slowly by in the gentle breeze. I feel so fortunate to have a job in such a spectacular location.

Back To work

Molly 'O

Many of you were lucky to have a three day weekend. Not I, but I did enjoy watching many boats returning to their moorings.
One nice thing about where I work, is that it is almost at the water's edge of Saratoga Passage and there is always something of interest to see.

Return to work with thoughts of a wonderful weekend of leisure and fun, and remember there will be other days, to enjoy in the future, away from your everyday chores.

Me he manu motu i te mahanga

Like a bird escaped from a snare

Maori Whakatauki, or proverb.
Whakatauki have a translation and a meaning. The meaning is usually based on Tikanga or history.
This only gives the translation of the whakatauki.

A busy weekend at the range

This report from MrC

Once again it's been a busy weekend, with a CWSA Rimfire Hanging Plates match on Saturday, and a Bowling Pin Shoot on Sunday. The Weather was perfect both days, with scattered clouds in the morning, and clearing off and sunny in the afternoons.

I did have quite a successful weekend. To read more about the matches, and see a video of my shooting, click HERE

Awesome Indeed

I took so many pictures of last night's sunset, that it was hard to choose just one, to show to you.
I would take one picture, then the colors would deepen, I would take another, and the clouds had formed into wonderful shapes, with the sun gilding the undersides. What a spectacular show Mother Nature gave us last evening.

LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT

It is always interesting to see where folks are coming from to pay me a visit.

Blackberry Jam

Yesterday I picked a small bucket full of wild blackberries to make a batch of freezer jam.
This time, I used Sure Jell Pectin for Less or no Sugar Needed Recipes. I must say the resulting jam is very good. The recipe calls for just three cups of sugar, so the jam is not so sickly sweet as in the original recipe.
There was just enough left over after filling these containers, for a generous helping on my toast, this morning. yummmm!!

Where have you been, where are you going?

GLEANER

Yesterday I saw this tug boat cruising, quite a distance away, past the spa where I work. I thought to myself, this is a great opportunity to see what I could do with my new camera. I am sure I could have done better if I was more familiar with the settings on the Kodak, but I am still in the learning mode.
What an interesting boat, you can see potted plants on the back deck, and all kinds of other things for use in their daily lives. Just imagine what stories the folks on the boat could tell.

I HAVE A NEW TOY

A few days ago I received my early Christmas gift from MrC A Kodak Easy Share Z650 camera.

As soon as it was out of the box, and before reading the instruction manual. I popped a couple of batteries in the camera and went out to my garden and snapped a picture of this flower to see what the Kodak could do. Not bad EH? Just imagine what images I will be able to create when I finally figure out all the settings available for my use.

I am going back to New Zealand in November, for a visit, and I want to be able to remember all the features the camera has without consulting the instruction manual all the time, so in the meantime, I will be taking many, many pictures to find out what works best.

Thank you Santa Honey for the wonderful gift.

Cowboy Fast Draw

One of the side events at the World Steel Challenge, was the Cowboy Fast draw. I have to admit this was the most fun event to watch and participate in.

MrC's hero Quick Cal.

When MrC found out that the cowboy fast draw was going to be a side event he spoke about it with our friend, Damiphino, who shoots fast draw, with the result being, a left hand holster arriving in the mail, and plenty of instruction via telephone, so he could get in a little practice before going to Valencia, California where the event was being held.

Quick Cal adjusting the holster in just the right position.

You would think you could not miss a target which is two feet across and just fifteen in front of us. You can miss them alright as we both found out.

Put some cowboy boots, shirt and stetson on MrC and he would look the part.

Yes, I was talked into trying out fast draw by MrC. First they had to find a holster small enough, then I had to figure out how to shoot a revolver, never having done so before.
Quick Cal watching as I struggled trying to pull the hammer back one handed. My hands are so small, and did not have the strength to do it, so we went to drawing the gun from the holster with my right hand and pulling the hammer back with my left, and shooting two handed instead of one handed.

Gritting my teeth with the effort and concentration it took to shoot my first revolver

So now I know how to cock the hammer, all I needed to do, was get some coordination going, so everything would be smooth. Yeah sure!! easier said than done, but after a few shots I did hit the target and of course I let a whoo hoo! I am sure with a lot of practice I could probably be a cowgirl fast draw shooter.

These friends decided to have a "shootout" they sure had us laughing at their antics.

Well that is all from our adventure in California, and next year I plan on competing, though plenty of practice will have to be put in before then.

If you are interested in learning more about cowboy fast draw, click HERE

World Steel Challenge - part three

Here is one very dedicated blogger. The only place the laptop would work in our hotel room was in the bathroom.

I forgot to mention to MrC that I had washed all the range dust off my feet in the bathtub and when he sat down and swung his feet into the tub his socks got wet *chuckle*

On Friday night, most of the shooters, and their families, gathered in the hotel courtyard and two adjoining rooms, to enjoy a meal and fellowship. There was a whole lot of BS going on too.

We could choose chicken or beef, or as I did some of each. The food was well prepared and tasty.
For dessert there were several pies, cake, and mini cheesecakes to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Under the umbrella on the left, was the bar and vegetables, fruit, salsa and chips were on tables on each side. We sure did not go hungry or thirsty.

Mike P, Linda and Hawk, three shooters from the squad MrC was in. We sure did enjoy meeting these fun folks and hope to see them next year.

Hope you are not bored yet as there are probably enough pictures for one more post.
Standby I will get to the last post in the next day or so.

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE -part 2

STAGE FIVE

Speed Option

MrC giving it his best shot, pun intended *grin*

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STAGE SIX
Smoke & Hope

The squad waiting while Linda is shooting.

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STAGE SEVEN
Outer Limits

Hawk, has his left foot off the ground ready to do a quick step into the box on the right, to shoot the last three, of the five targets.

MrC was concerned on this stage as down on the practice range, when he had to move from one box to the other, he was inclined to skid on the loose dirt and empty brass which were in the shooter's box. But here he did OK and did not skid at all.

---

STAGE EIGHT
Accelerator

Doug showing how it is done.

MrC putting rounds down range as fast and accurately as he can.

Linda shooting the last stage.

Mike, Paul, Doug, Mike P, Eric, Hawk, Linda, Chase, Rich.

This was the end of the rim fire event, time for lunch before moving on to other events. I sure was ready for a break from the hot sun, so we walked down the hill to where they had a booth set up selling hot dogs a huge sandwich and ice cold drinks.

This little guy had both hands wrapped around a huge sandwich, and I was surprised to see him eat more than two thirds of it. The thought "hollow legs" came to mind.
After we finished our lunch we went to the Cowboy fast draw stage to try our luck at winning a gun. I will have more on this in part three.

Mr Completely's take on Part two HERE

WORLD STEEL CHALLENGE - Part 1

After a very early 4am start to the day, Wednesday 15Th, our flight to Burbank California, then a half hour drive to the hotel, we were both exhausted and ready for a long nap. The nap had to wait as MrC needed to get out to the range and get in some practice before shooting on Thursday morning.

Our rental car, a cute PT Cruiser with just 1400 miles on the clock had plenty of room for all the luggage we had brought with us. The car sure was dusty after our four days out at the range. I must say, I am sooooo happy we do not live in Valencia, the heat and dust almost did me in.

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STAGE ONE
Pendulum

The eight stages and the side events were spread out over quite a distance so we drove the car to a few of the side events as it was too darned hot to walk. The side events were set up so anyone could enter for a chance to win a gun either by shooting the best time or by having a raffle ticket for every time they entered drawn at the award ceremony on Sunday.

Erik, one of the squad members knocking the paint off of the targets.

Doug showing his expertise.

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STAGE TWO
Roundabout

After each squad member has finished his/her round, the targets are given a fresh coat of paint.
On a couple of occasions it was unclear if the shooter had hit the target, so the range was made safe and the range officer went out to double check the target in question. Sometimes the target is struck on the very edge and cannot be seen from a distance.

MrC and Keewee

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STAGE THREE
Show Down

Mike P putting time on the clock, and that does not mean he wants a lot of time on the clock when the round is over. The idea is to shoot and hit every target in the shortest time possible.

Rich making noise.

Paul doing his very best to shoot a good time.

Chase 19 years old, the youngest in our squad.

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STAGE FOUR

Five to go

The range officer going over all the rules before the match begins.

This stage is similar to one I have shot here on Whidbey Island, and I was thinking to myself about this time, perhaps I should have been shooting this year. Perhaps next year I will be ready, which means plenty of practice, groannnn!! I am not one to do a lot of practice, which makes MrC roll his eyes and say, " I don't know how you shoot so well with so little practice"

Click on the pictures for a larger view
MrC has his first part posted, so if you want to read a more in depth story about our adventure, then click HERE

For Steel Challenge results look HERE